School and Ranking Information

All but one school in the Memphis area that provide programs in or relating to information security are for-profit institutions. Based on ranking, student population and school type, the following university is considered a top university in the Memphis area for information security training programs:

Winner: The University of Memphis is the only public postsecondary institution and the largest by student enrollment to offer studies in information security. Students can earn a postgraduate certificate in information assurance.

The university is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency; courses in the certificate program in information assurance are accredited by the Committee for National Security Systems for Computer Security***

University of Memphis

Up to six credits earned in the program can be applied to the master's/doctoral degree in computer science

The University of Memphis is a 4-year public university operating eight sites throughout the area. It enrolls nearly 22,000 students annually in 250 undergraduate, 54 master's and 25 doctoral degree fields of study. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits it. The university's Department of Computer Science offers a graduate certificate in information assurance.

The Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance program is designed for students currently pursuing a graduate degree in computer science or another subject at the university or another school or for individuals with at least three years of experience working in the field. It consists of 12 credit hours of study, half of which are required and the other half of which are electives. Students gain knowledge of computer systems and information on security-specific software and hardware applications, as well as developing an understanding of the ethical, legal and management issues involved in information assurance. Required classes include network and Internet security, cryptology and computer security. Elective courses cover cyber ethics and laws, computer forensics and system administration.